Is Tide Laundry Detergents Safe for Septic Systems? – Explained

October 14, 2022

Choosing the suitable detergent is a real pain point if you have a septic tank for wastewater management. “Maintaining safety” is always a significant issue. Is tide laundry detergents safe for septic systems? You may wonder.

This article will discuss everything you will need to know about detergents and septic systems. Is it safe, or is it unsafe? What are the effects? And more. Let’s get it!

Many criteria can be looked into when choosing a laundry detergent, like the scent, form, cleaning capability, etc. If you have a septic system at home, you might have to skip all those factors and prioritize what’s best for the septic tank.

Sounds bad? No, if you learn the consequences of using the wrong detergent with a septic system, it isn’t. Move further, and we will let you know in detail.

Why should you Be Careful When Choosing a Laundry Detergent?

The septic tank is a wastewater management system. All the wastewater from your home drains into this tank. The drained wastage will degrade by the activity of microorganisms.

As the degradation depends on the organic activity of the microorganisms, it is crucial to refrain from anything that can hinder the process.

Using certain laundry detergents can hinder the process and cause issues degrading the materials.

Why? Commercial detergents are made of various chemical substances. Certain chemicals in the detergents can kill or affect the activity of the microorganisms when draining into the tank. This can result in many unpleasant outcomes as the tank can become clogged or filled.

Choosing the suitable detergent is essential as it will ensure proper functioning in the septic systems and will not impede the operation.

What is a Suitable Laundry Detergent?

Not sure. Aren’t you? Cool, no worries. I got you!

There are three forms of detergents. By learning the forms clearly, you will clearly understand which kind to rely on. Let me provide and discuss the three available forms of detergents below.

Powder

That is what it means. These detergents come in the form of powder. These powdered detergents come in packets or boxes and are relatively easy to use. You can get soapy water and do your laundry by sprinkling a small portion into the water.

Is there any disadvantage to the powdered detergent? Indeed there is a notable one. Powdered detergents do not always dissolve entirely in water. The undissolved particles can eventually clog the septic tank or other pipelines in the water network. There is a risk of clogging when using powdered detergent. Especially if you have a septic tank for wastewater management.

Liquid

Liquid detergents are the second available form. These detergents come in the state of liquids. They work exactly the same as powdered detergents, but the only difference is the form of presence. These detergents are ideal to use when you have a septic tank for sewage as there are no drawbacks of clogging or other issues.

Pods

Pods are a modern and trendy form of detergent. They are pre-packed liquid detergents with bleaching, brightening and cleaning properties. Pods are convenient to use. But they can be slightly more expensive than the other forms of detergents.

Now you know which type of detergent is the ideal option for your household if your sewage system is a septic tank.

Is tide Laundry Detergents Safe for Septic Systems?

Technically, yes. Tide laundry detergents can be a safe option when used in the right quantities.

You can opt for a tide liquid detergent to minimize any possible risks. There is nothing much to be afraid of if you use the detergent in the right amounts without using it extensively.

Tide pods are also widely accepted to be used with a septic tank system. However, it is recently found that the polyvinyl alcohol plastic, one of the contents of tide pods, does not break down completely. This can disturb the septic tank’s functioning or lead to clogs over time.

Therefore, even though tide detergent is a safe option, different products can have different impacts. Go for the liquid tide laundry detergent for the safest utilization.

How to Pick Out Safe Detergent for Septic Tanks?

Have you ever been confused standing on the supermarket aisles muddled? Which septic tank-friendly detergent should you choose? We will help you figure that out. You will no longer have to muddle up and make a hesitant choices.

Here are a few things you should pay attention to when choosing a laundry detergent that will not disturb the functioning of your septic tank in any way.

Eco-friendly Options

Choose biodegradable and eco-friendly detergents. These detergents will not only cause zero adverse effects on the septic tank but also will be a very safe option for sensitive skin and children. It will also help reduce environmental harm as they are entirely biodegradable. Most eco-friendly detergents are scentless, while some do contain the scent of essential oils. Don’t you like the idea? Cool, we’ve got more options.

Use Liquid Detergent

Powdered detergents can clog up your septic tanks leading to blockages and fill-ups. Liquid detergents do not harbor that issue. Pick out a liquid detergent, as it can be septic tank friendly.

Opt for Low Surfactants

Pick detergents that have low surfactant levels. Surfactants in detergents will build sludge in the septic tank. Purchase detergents with fewer levels of chemical surfactants. If the surfactant is plant-based, it is not a thing to worry about as it will be bio-friendly.

Look for the “Septic Safe” Option

Look for the septic safe tag on the packaging. Many detergents contain the tag if they are safe to be used with a septic tank.

Avoid Certain Chemicals

Certain ingredients in the detergents can pose a threat to the functioning of the septic tank. Avoid using detergents with the below-mentioned ingredients,

Phosphates, parabens, synthetic foaming thickeners, dioxane, chlorine bleach, artificial dyes, and artificial whiteners.

Takeaway

Laundry detergents can be safe to use with septic tanks if they ensure no hindrance to the operation of the tank. If by any means they are found to cause any hindrance, better dump it and opt for a detergent that does not.

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